How The Aviation Industry Is Responding to COVID-19

May 20, 2020

Aviation Connects Our World

Aviation connects us in ways that you might not expect. For instance, did you know that airlines transport over 52 metric tons of goods a year? As a result, an average of 100,000 planes take off every 24 hours, shipping 20 million parcels and 140,000 tons of cargo. Perhaps most importantly, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that 6,849 lives are saved daily as a result of essential medical equipment that arrives by aircraft. This continues to evolve as the aviation industry is responding to COVID-19.

All of our lives have been recently altered, but we are resilient. Heroic workers continue to brave challenges and risks, saving patients, as they have since day one. As we each do our part to support one another, we’ve found it helpful to focus on the things that bring us together – aviation, being one of them.

An aviation maintenance technician services an aircraft. The aviation industry has responded to COVID-19 by pivoting strategy and supplying essential goods.

More Than Just Vacation – Aviation Addresses Global Need

Under normal circumstances, the more obvious function of aircraft is to connect people. For instance, we fly to see our friends and families at important times in our lives. We set out on adventures – sometimes saving up for once in a lifetime experiences. If you have flight benefits from working in the industry, chances are you fly all the time! We can’t do those things right now. But we can make them possible again, and also support the efforts of medical professionals and public-facing workers.

Here is how aviation has responded to COVID-19. Aviation companies have made big changes to pull together. Rather than normal business operations, they have focused on helping communities in need. For example, Embraer is manufacturing ventilator parts for the respirator industry.

As passenger planes were grounded, the need for supplies and relief reached an apex. In response, manufacturers, airlines, and logistics companies have found innovative ways to contribute to the greater good.

Aircraft Manufacturers Adapt

Companies such as Airbus and Boeing have adapted to contribute to essential needs. Airbus deployed its A330-800 test aircraft to transport around 2 million masks from Tianjin, China to Toulouse, France. Boeing used 3-D printers to manufacture face shields for medical professionals fighting the virus head-on.

Airbus even developed modifications for A330 and A350 family aircraft to help airlines install freight pallets directly into the cabin, after removing seats.

Airlines Assist

Airlines have been reimagining their fleets as well!

American Airlines has increased its weekly cargo capacity to 5.5 million pounds, transporting medical supplies and materials between the United States and Europe and Latin America and Asia.

Finnair modified two Airbus A330 aircraft to use as cargo transport planes to fly cargo to multiple major cities. By removing the economy class seats, they allowed room for freight to be carried in the cabin and the cargo hold. They are now operating more than 50 cargo flights per week!

Hands-On Help As The Aviation Industry Responds to COVID-19

Like each of us, the aviation industry has carried on, contributing where possible. COVID-19 has presented a unique set of challenges. However, we have faced difficult times before and have rebounded stronger and wiser. Everyone has their part to play in creating a safer, more hopeful tomorrow.

Aviation is majestic, freeing, and powerful. Though it can sometimes seem magical, it’s a combination of refined science and routine maintenance. Aviation mechanics are essential to the air supply chain that connects us in these unprecedented times. It’s a small contribution, but one we take great pride in.